Spurs offer De’Aaron Fox unique path to superstar status the Kings couldn’t

All eyes will be on De'Aaron Fox this season after he signed a massive $229 million extension with the San Antonio Spurs. Fox was acquired mid-season from the Sacramento Kings, but barely played with Victor Wembanyama and was limited by a finger injury.

Now, with Wembanyama back and Fox healed, the Spurs are back for revenge...and this time, it's personal! Not really, but this young-gun team still has a lot to prove, Fox in particular.

He has played like a borderline all-star over the last five seasons, mostly, but has only one all-star appearance to show for it.

Playing in San Antonio will put more eyes on De'Aaron Fox

Fox didn't always have much help with the Kings. Granted, he's had stiff competition at point guard in the Western Conference. Even so, playing in Sacramento, which has largely been a laughingstock for the better part of the 21st century, hasn't helped Fox either.

Fortunately, he already has a better team heading into next season than he ever did in Sacramento. That could help Fox individually.

He has played like a star in recent years despite having few individual accolades. If he can average around 22 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals --all realistic goals -- he will put himself in the All-Star convo next season.

Fox not making the All-Star team might not seem like a big deal, so long as he is still playing at an All-Star level. Still, it can carry a surprising amount of weight. San Antonio probably isn't anywhere near the point of trading Fox, with him having just been signed to a max extension.

More success for De'Aaron Fox gives the Spurs more options

However, in four seasons, when Wembanyama is on a max contract and Stephon Castle is starting his rookie extension, they may be forced to consider trading Fox.

Retrade value is a thing. And if San Antonio is good over the next four seasons and Fox makes at least a couple of All-Star appearances, it could keep that value high if and when they move him.

That's putting the cart before the horse, and what is most important is Fox continuing to play at an all-star level. If he can, and Wembanyama emerges as a top 3 player in the NBA, then San Antonio should be a perennial contender.

That's the most important thing, but I'm sure Fox would love to have some individual success to show for his career as well. All-Star appearances matter, and often making at least five All-Star teams usually guarantees a spot in the Hall of Fame.

He would have to reach another level entirely to get to the point of making four straight All-Star teams. Still, he'd have a much better chance playing in San Antonio than he ever did in Sacramento.

Ultimately, Fox playing at the same level on a much better team could garner him more All-Star appearances. That will not only help the Spurs on the court but also give them more options in case they may have to move Fox down the road.